NorCal Patriot Guard Riders seek members
The Northern California Patriot Guard Riders Ride Captain is seeking more help to honor local veterans in attempts to avoid having to shut down the local chapter.
The Patriot Guard Riders is a national group dedicated to supporting families of veterans.
Members are not required to have motorcycles or be veterans — they just want
to show respect for fallen veterans.
“We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is respect,” read the norcalpgr.org website.
The Patriot Guard Riders participate in a variety of activities, including funerals. However, according to Ride Captain Blake Hutchinson, with so few members showing up to the funerals and events showing support for veterans, the local chapter is becoming too much and he is considering shutting it down. “I don’t want to let it die,” said Hutchinson, but he added it is difficult keeping the group alive with little help.
“The Northern California Patriot Guard is the supportive and operational arm of the national Patriot Guard movement; a diverse group of proud riders and individuals with one goal in common: Giving tremendous respect to those who risk their lives daily. Whether stationed on American soil or abroad, the men and women of our armed forces secure our nation’s freedoms and our liberties, and deserve our respect and support. We encourage those who share this belief to join us,” read the website.
To help keep the riders alive, Hutchinson is seeking some dedicated members. “There are no dues, no meetings, usually,” said Hutchinson. Members just need to want to show support for veterans and their families.
For more information about the Northern California Patriot Guard Riders, visit the website: norcalpgr.org or email Hutchinson at [email protected].
Donations for the group may also be made to the Lassen Veterans Support Fund at Tri-Counties Bank in Susanville.
